
The Lawfare Podcast Lawfare Archive: The National Security Law Podcast: Han Shot First
Dec 25, 2025
Dive into the intriguing legal landscape as hosts discuss a nationwide TRO halting Travel Ban 3.0. Delve into the implications of the Supreme Court's denial in the al-Nashiri military commissions case, highlighted by a mass resignation of defense attorneys over surveillance concerns. Explore the Microsoft-Ireland case on data privacy and cross-border access. Finally, learn about the ACDC Act and its fascinating proposals around cyber defense. Plus, enjoy a creative twist with Star Wars analogies tied to armed conflict law!
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Judicial Skepticism Of Travel Ban Claims
- Judges showed skepticism rather than deference to the Trump administration's national security justifications for the travel ban.
- Bobby Chesney and Steve Vladek note that this anti-deference reflects credibility deficits and raises lasting precedential effects.
Supreme Court Denies Cert In Nashiri Case
- The Supreme Court denied cert in al-Nashiri, leaving a major jurisdictional question unresolved until after potential convictions.
- Steve Vladek and Bobby Chesney warn this delays clarity on whether military commissions can try certain offenses.
Defense Team Resigns Over Alleged Monitoring
- Civilian defense lawyers in the Nashiri case withdrew en masse citing concern their client-lawyer communications were being monitored.
- The resignations froze proceedings because military commissions require 'learned counsel' for capital cases.
